Gary L. Richey

May 4th, 2018

Share

Gary L. Richey, 60, known to friends and family as “Butch” or “Lionel”, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on October 6, 1957 in Van Wert, Ohio to Robert and Ilo (Gribler) Richey.

A native of Wren, Ohio, he graduated from Crestview in 1976 and immediately pursued a career in any and everything. He was a loving father, brother, son, uncle and friend, who truly enjoyed staying busy. A man who lived longer than his age showed, he was sincerely a man of the people.

He was a Jaycee member since 1976, where he received his Senatorship in 1991. He was given the Jaycee Ambassador Award, was the 34thpresident of Ohio JCI Senate, and National JCI vice-president. He was an auctioneer, bartender/”counselor,” and realtor. He was a Van Wert Hot Air Affair committee member and Special Olympics coach for 32 years with three state championships. He was a past employee and Union Chair at Kennedy Manufacturing. Until last year, he worked maintenance, drove bus, and trained drivers at Crestview Local Schools. He loved and was loved by all of his Crestview kids. He was a member of St. Paul’s Church of Harrison Township and was attending Redeemer Lutheran of Convoy, Ohio.

He is survived by two sons, Brandon (Michelle) Richey; and Bryce (Ann) Richey, and three sisters, Betty (Randy) Myers; Barbara (John) Rohrer; and Brenda (Ryan) Beitler.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, Ohio and two hours prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Monday, May 7 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6727 State Route 49, Convoy, Ohio. Officiating will be Rev. Mike Saylor. Burial will be in the family plot at Evangelical Protestant Cemetery, 6077 German Church Rd, Ohio City, Ohio.

Memorials may be made to a memorial fund for a volunteer based scholarship in his honor set up by his family. Preferred donations may be made out to estate representative Earl Rice at 124 E. Main St., Van Wert, Ohio.

Arrangements provided by Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, Ohio. Online condolences may be made at www.cowanfuneralhome.com.